Broadway Theatre League (BTL) today announced its 2013-14 season, which includes two tech shows, bringing as much as $3 million to Oneida County and the surrounding region. A tech shows marks the first time the cast, crew, and set for a Broadway touring production are together in one place. This requires the cast and crew of the show to be in Utica for several weeks creating a significant economic boost for local businesses– between $1.2 and $1.5 million for each tech show. 

The two tech shows Broadway Theatre League has secured for its new season include We Will Rock You and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. These two shows will also make their United States premiers right here in Utica at the Stanley Theatre.

In addition to We Will Rock You and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, BTL has brought three other tech shows to Utica since September of 2011, Flashdance, American Idiot, and Young Frankenstein.

The complete 2013-14 Broadway Theatre League season lineup includes:

• We Will Rock You, October 11 &12, 2013;
• Memphis, January 21, 22, and 23, 2014;
• The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, February 12 &13, 2014;
• Peter and the Starcatcher, March 4 & 5, 2014;
• Bring It On, The Musical, March 25 & 26, 2014; and
• Million Dollar Quartet, June 10 & 11, 2014.

In addition to bringing a fabulous new season to its subscribers in 2013-14, Broadway Theatre League has created a new, more affordable seating section for single ticket buyers. The “Cloud Club” seating program is aimed at providing more affordable seating for interested patrons.  The lowest single-priced ticket for a Broadway Theatre League presentation in 2013-14 is $39.75. However, with the addition of “Cloud Club” seating, a patron can purchase a single seat in the last two rows of the theatre balcony for only $24.75 including all fees. This will allow a family of four to see a live BTL performance for less than $100.

“It is part of BTL’s mission to bring its shows to any and all members of the community that would like to attend,” said Executive Director of Broadway Theatre League John Fehlner. “Our new ‘Cloud Club’ seating program helps us reach a wider audience by creating a more affordable seating level,” he continued.    

In an effort to continue to reach out to its younger audience, in 2013-14 BTL will expand its successful Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) introduced a year ago. This year, BTL enrolled 36 students from 24 area schools into the program.

“We believe we have met our goal this year engaging area teens and encouraging their interest in local theatre,” said Fehlner. “Therefore, next year, BTL will offer the program to students in 42 area schools, nearly doubling the size of the program,” he added.

BTL will again choose two students from each of the area school districts who will be given 2013-14 BTL season tickets.  In exchange for this subscription, students are required to post their thoughts about each show on Facebook and/or Twitter and submit a short critique of each show to BTL. Details on applying for YAP for the 2013-14 season will be made public in a few weeks.

Current subscribers can renew their season subscription now by calling the Broadway Theatre League office at (315) 724-7196. New subscribers may officially sign-up beginning June 1.

Broadway Theatre League of Utica presents ROCK OF AGES, April 16 & 17 at the Stanley. Tickets are still available for this hard-rockin’ good time and range from $36.50 to 61.50. Call (315) 724-7196 or visit www.BroadwayUtica.com for details.

ABOUT ROCK OF AGES

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer – and in L.A.’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80’s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and many more. This 5 time Tony nominated musical, is rockin’ its way across the USA. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!

ROCK OF AGES is a worldwide phenomenon with a smash hit production in London, and still rockin’ on Broadway, featuring 28 classic rock tunes including “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “We Built This City”, “The Final Countdown”, “Wanted Dead or Alive”, “Here I Go Again”, “Harden My Heart”, “Can’t Fight this Feeling”, “Renegade” and “I Want To Know What Love Is”.

ROCK OF AGES is directed by Tony Award Nominee Kristin Hanggi (Bare, Pussycat Dolls on the Sunset Strip) and choreographed by Kelly Devine (Jersey Boys – Associate Choreographer).  With a book by Chris D’Arienzo (writer and director of the film Barry Munday), original arrangements by David Gibbs (Counting Crows, Film: That Thing You Do) and the Music Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestrations by Ethan Popp (Tarzan; Europe: We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia).

ROCK OF AGES  features set design by Beowulf Boritt (Spelling Bee, LoveMusik), costume design by Tony Nominee Gregory Gale (Cyrano, The Wedding Singer), lighting design by Jason Lyons (The Threepenny Opera), sound design by Craig Cassidy (Phantom, Mamma Mia), and projection design is by Zachary Borovay (A Catered Affair).

ROCK OF AGES is produced by PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT. 

On Stage Touring, LLC, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), announced today the national hit ELVIS LIVES will be presented by the Broadway Theatre League of Utica at the Stanley Theatre on March 12.

ELVIS LIVES, which keeps on capturing the imaginations and interests of fans of all types including Broadway, concert and Elvis aficionados, is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis’ life featuring finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’ annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, each representing Elvis during different stages in his career.  The Elvis tribute artists will be joined by a live band, back-up singers and dancers, along with an Ann-Margret tribute artist, as well as iconic imagery made available from the Graceland archives; which includes a new exhibit of life-size images of Elvis’ stage-wear that will be on display in the lobby of each theater hosting a performance.

The high energy show features Ultimate winner Bill Cherry, along with Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest top five finalists Kevin Mills, Leo Days and Ben Klein, as the principle cast for the winter/spring production of ELVIS LIVES, joined by the professional talent of Lorri Russo as Ann-Margret.

“We are very pleased that ELVIS LIVES continues to delight audiences all over the nation and that Elvis fans in Utica will be given the opportunity to see these talented entertainers.  We hope to see finalists from the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest starring in ELVIS LIVES for years to come,” said Kevin Kern, Director of Public Relations for EPE.

“We are excited to be working with some of the most exceptional tribute artists in the world.  These talented performers really capture the spirit of the King of Rock N’ Roll while evoking the sensation of being there with Elvis as he journeys through his musical career,” stated Barbara Cooley, Executive Producer for On Stage Touring. “Elvis Lives is truly a dynamic and family friendly production.”

To purchase tickets please contact Broadway Theatre League of Utica at (315) 724-7196 or visit http://www.broadwayutica.com. Tickets range from $36.50 to $76.50.

The 2013/2014 National Tour of the new musical THE ADDAMS FAMILY, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, will make its Utica premiere February 12 & 13 at The Stanley Theatre. The show is a presentation of Broadway Theatre League of Utica.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, which began performances in March 2010 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and ran through December 2011, immediately became one of Broadway’s biggest hits. Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune described the production as “classic, full-tilt, fast paced, old-fashioned musical comedy!” and John Simon of Bloomberg News called it “uproarious! A glitzy-gloomy musical entirely worthy of the macabre drawings by Charles Addams.”

THE ADDAMS FAMILY features a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The production is directed by Jerry Zaks with choreography by Sergio Trujillo.  Production design (sets and costumes) by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch with set adaptations by James Kronzer. The production features lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Craig Cassidy and puppetry by Basil Twist.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

In a prolific career spanning six decades, Charles Addams created several thousand cartoons, sketches and drawings, many of which were published in The New Yorker. But it was his creation of characters that came to be known as The Addams Family that brought Addams his greatest acclaim. With a unique style that combined the twisted, macabre and just plain weird with charm, wit and enchantment, Addams’ drawings have entertained millions worldwide and served as the inspiration for multiple television series and motion pictures.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY tour for North America is produced by Phoenix Entertainment, Stephen B. Kane and Michael McFadden, by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.  International productions have been announced for Brazil (March, 2012) and Australia (March, 2013) with others to be announced shortly.

Tickets to THE ADDAMS FAMILY are currently on sale and range from $36.50 – 61.50. For more information about the show, or to purchase tickets to a performance, call Broadway Theatre League of Utica at (315) 724-7196 or visit www.BroadwayUtica.com or www.tafontour.com

Broadway Theatre League of Utica and THE ADDAMS FAMILY will sponsor an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM, at the New Hartford Blood Center located at 4685 Commercial Drive in New Hartford.

All presenting donors will receive a discount code good for $5 off each ticket they purchase through Broadway Theatre League of Utica to THE ADDAMS FAMILY for either February 12 or 13. Additionally, cast members from THE ADDAMS FAMILY will visit the blood center during the drive on February 12. 

“Gomez and Morticia Addams would certainly agree, giving blood to help save a life, is simply ‘not dreadful,’ ” said John Fehlner, executive director of Broadway Theatre League of Utica.

A blood donation can help save the life of a real person in your community. Blood is an essential component for patient care in area hospitals, and the only source of blood is a healthy, volunteer blood donor. Walk-ins are always welcome, but donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting redcrossblood.org.

A CHORUS LINE, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line is back on tour with an all new production. A CHORUS LINE is a presentation of the Broadway Theatre League of Utica and will appear at the Stanley Theatre January 8 & 9, 2013. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling Broadway Theatre League at (315) 724-7196 or by visiting www.BroadwayUtica.com.

The original production of A CHORUS LINE opened at the Public Theater’s Newman Theatre on May 21, 1975 and transferred to Broadway’s Shubert Theatre on July 25th, opening there on October 19th of that year.  It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Score and Book, and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award.  It ran for nearly 15 years, closing on April 28, 1990 after 6,137 performances.  On September 29, 1983, A CHORUS LINE became the longest-running American musical in Broadway history and held this title for 28 years from 1983 to 2011 (when it was surpassed by Chicago).

In 2006, A CHORUS LINE reclaimed its place in the heart of Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre where it opened to rave reviews on October 5, 2006.  Elysa Gardner of USA Today called it “Exhilarating and endearing, it still has a freshness and fervency too seldom seen in contemporary musicals,” while The New York Daily News exclaimed “There’s nothing better! The show thrills from the opening number to the glittering finale,” and Jeffrey Lyons of WNBC TV hailed it “An American Masterpiece.  

A “show for all ages” this all new production will be directed and restaged by Baayork Lee. A CHORUS LINE will play January 8 & 9, 2013 at the Stanley Theatre. Ticket prices range from $36.50 to $61.50 and are currently on sale by calling Broadway Theatre League at (315) 724-7196. Special pricing is available for groups of 20 or more.

Baayork Lee has performed in a dozen Broadway shows and created the role of Connie in A Chorus Line. As Michael Bennett’s assistant choreographer on A Chorus Line, she has directed many national and international companies. Her directing credits include The King and I and Bombay Dreams (National tours), R&H’s Cinderella (NYC Opera), Barnum(Australia), Carmen Jones (Kennedy Center), Porgy and Bess and Jesus Christ Superstar (European tours),Gypsy and A New Brain. She has choreographed shows including Mack and Mabel (Shaw Festival); Cocoanuts, Camelot, Damn Yankees, Helen Hayes nomination for Animal Crackers and South Pacific (all at Arena Stage); and Goya, Sly and The Merry Widow (Kennedy Center). She received the 2003 Asian Woman Warrior Award for Lifetime Achievement from Columbia College, as well as the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association Achievement in Arts Award. Through her new company, National Asian Artists Project (NAAP),naaproject.org, she directed productions of Oklahoma! and Carousel using  all Asian artists. NAAP’s mission is to promote Asian performers in theatre across the country.

Today, Executive Director of the Broadway Theatre League, John Fehlner, and Executive Producer of FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL, Dani Davis, highlighted the positive economic impact as well as provided a behind-the-scenes look at FLASHDANCE, which will be presented at the Stanley Theatre on December 28 & 29. Board members from the Broadway Theatre League and Stanley Theatre, as well as a number of locally elected officials, attended today’s event, including: Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri, County Executive Anthony Picente, Oneida County Tourism Board President Kelly Blazosky, President of the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce, Pamela Matt, and representatives from Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi’s, Senator Joseph Griffo’s, and Congressman Richard Hanna’s offices.

Utica is serving as the tech city for FLASHDANCE’s all new national tour. A tech city marks the first time the cast, crew, and set for a Broadway touring production are together in one place. This requires the cast and crew of the show to be in Utica for several weeks creating a significant economic impact for local businesses and the venue.

“When you consider that it takes 80 people a period of three weeks to get FLASHDANCE up-and-running, we are looking at an economic impact between $1.2-1.5 million to Utica and the surrounding region,” said John Fehlner, executive director of Broadway Theatre League. “These folks are staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants, and generally stimulating our local economy,” he added.

“We are thrilled with the economic impact we are providing the community of Utica as we finalize the creative process of the new, Broadway bound production of FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL,” said Dani Davis, executive producer of the production. “There isn’t a better place for us to spend the holidays.”

As the tech city, patrons of the Broadway Theatre League’s presentations will be among the first in the United States to see this brand new musical performance, as FLASHDANCE has not yet appeared on Broadway or on tour anywhere else.

Tickets for FLASHDANCE are still available and range from $36.50 to $61.50 and can be purchased by calling Broadway Theatre League at (315) 724-7196 or by visiting www.BroadwayUtica.com.

FLASHDANCE- THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation, will make its national touring premiere in Utica on December 28 & 29 at 7:30 at the Stanley Theatre. Tickets are available to subscribers on Tuesday November 13 and will go on sale to the general public on Thursday November 15. Ticket prices range from $36.50 to $61.50 and will be available at Broadway Theatre League of Utica by calling (315) 724-7196 or visiting www.BroadwayUtica.com. The musical is a presentation of the Broadway Theatre League of Utica. Utica will also serve as the tech city for FLASHDANCE’s national tour, providing a significant economic boost to the region.

A tech city marks the first time the cast, crew, and set for a Broadway touring production are together in one place. FLASHDANCE is the third tech show Broadway Theatre League of Utica has brought to the Stanley in the last year-and-a-half. With Utica as the tech city, patrons of the Broadway Theatre League’s presentation will be the first to see the national tour of FLASHDANCE. In addition, the cast and crew will set up shop in Utica for a period of 20 days, which will bring in an estimated $1,200,000-$1,500,000 in revenue to Utica and the surrounding area.

“We are pleased to be able to bring FLASHDANCE to Utica.  We feel this is an excellent time of year for not only our patrons—but also those who will be traveling to the Utica area for the holiday season,” said John Fehlner, executive director of Broadway Theatre League of Utica.

With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the original Paramount Pictures film was a worldwide smash hit that became a pop culture phenomenon, grossing over $150 million and featuring a Grammy Award-winning soundtrack. FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL features a score including the hit songs from the movie, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world  including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” “I Love Rock & Roll.” In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the stage with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth.

Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, The Addams Family), FLASHDANCE features a book by Robert Cary and Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas),

In addition to the US touring company, a second company will be assembled for the creatively reworked production of FLASHDANCE, which will begin performances on Broadway in August 2013 for an open-ended engagement.

The national tour of FLASHDANCE is produced by NETworks Presentations LLC, Steven Baruch, Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, Christopher Malcolm, David Ian Productions and Transamerica.

FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL will play December 28 & 29 at 7:30 at the Stanley Theatre.

The tour of the smash hit Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY is coming to Utica.  WEST SIDE STORY will be at the Stanley Theatre on November 7 & 8 at 7:30 PM and is a presentation of the Broadway Theatre League of Utica. Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction is recreated for the tour by David Saint, the Associate Director on Broadway. The original Jerome Robbins choreography is reproduced by Tony Award-nominee Joey McKneely (The Boy from Oz, The Life).

WEST SIDE STORY tells the story of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria as they struggle to rise above the hatred and intolerance that surrounds them. WEST SIDE STORY soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “Somewhere.”

The Associated Press says WEST SIDE STORY “remains Broadway’s best dance-driven musical. Five decades have not dimmed the extraordinary choreography or the score that pulsates throughout.” Variety says, “The true stars of WEST SIDE STORY are Jerome Robbins’ graceful, endlessly expressive choreography and Leonard Bernstein’s score, which still sounds bracingly modern a half-century after it was first heard. The music is a primal force.”

WEST SIDE STORY is written by three theatrical luminaries: two-time Tony Award winner Arthur Laurents (book) and multiple Tony and Grammy Award winners Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) in his Broadway debut. 

WEST SIDE STORY features scenic designs by James Youmans, costumes by Tony Award nominee David C. Woolard, lighting by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley, and sound design by Peter McBoyle. 

For more information about WEST SIDE STORY, or to purchase tickets to an upcoming show, call Broadway Theatre League of Utica at (315) 724-7196 or visit www.BroadwayUtica.com.

Do you know a high school student interested in theatre; encourage them to apply to become a Broadway Theatre League (BTL) Youth Ambassador! BTL is choosing two students from each of the area school districts who will be given 2012-13 Broadway Theatre League season tickets.  This season’s shows include:

• West Side Story, November 7 & 8
• A Chorus Line, January 8 & 9
• The Addams Family, February 12 & 13
• Rock of Ages, April 16 & 17
• Catch Me If You Can, June 4 and 5

In exchange for the season subscription, students are required to post their thoughts about each show on Facebook and/or Twitter and submit a short critique of each show to Broadway Theatre League.  Some critiques will be posted on the BTL website or will be submitted to the local media.

The goal of the program is to engage area teens and encourage their interest in theatre. The students’ interests can be in any area including acting, producing, management, choreography, lighting, sound, costume or set design. 

Student Eligibility

• Student must be a junior or senior in high school for the 2012-13 school year.
• Student must have the ability to attend and provide his/her own transportation to the opening night of all five season shows.
• Student must have a Facebook and/or Twitter account and be willing to submit their comments through social media within 12 hours of viewing the performance. Note: Students will be placed in “tweet seats” and will be encouraged to post their comments about the show during the performance or intermission.

Application Materials

• Student must have a teacher recommendation.
• Student will be required to submit a short essay explaining why they would like to become a Youth Ambassador, including any experience they’ve had that may pertain to theatre or the purpose of the program.

Applications to become a part of the program are due Monday, October 15. For more information about the Youth Ambassador Program, call Broadway Theatre League at (315) 724-7196 or email application materials to: Erika@broadwayutica.com.